Adjustable length tensioning member

ABSTRACT

An adjustable length tensioning member that comprises a rope, a first connector on the rope, a second connector on the rope, and a plurality of connection points between the first connector and the second connector is disclosed. The plurality of connection points have a diameter greater than a diameter of the rope. The rope may be passed through a socket coupled to a first crane component and one of the connectors on the rope is coupled to a second crane component. One of the plurality of connection points engages a seat on the socket to tension the rope between the socket and the connection point.

REFERENCE TO EARLIER FILED APPLICATIONS

The present patent document is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 14/600,570, filed Jan. 20, 2015, and titled “SYSTEMAND METHOD FOR CONNECTING A CRANE SUSPENSION ASSEMBLY TO A SUPPORTCOLUMN,” which claims the benefit of the filing date under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/929,366, filed Jan.20, 2014, and titled “SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONNECTING A CRANESUSPENSION ASSEMBLY TO A SUPPORT COLUMN,” and U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 61/947,303, filed Mar. 3, 2014, and titled “SYSTEM ANDMETHOD FOR CONNECTING A CRANE SUSPENSION ASSEMBLY TO A SUPPORT COLUMN.”All of the foregoing applications are hereby incorporated by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The disclosed subject matter relates to systems and methods forconnecting crane components to one another. More particularly, thedisclosed subject matter relates to systems and method for an adjustablelength tensioning member between cranes components.

BACKGROUND

Lift cranes typically include a carbody; ground engaging memberselevating the carbody off the ground; a rotating bed rotatably connectedto the carbody such that the rotating bed can swing with respect to theground engaging members; and a boom pivotally mounted on the rotatingbed, with a load hoist line extending there from. For mobile liftcranes, there are different types of moveable ground engaging members,most notably tires for truck mounted cranes, and crawlers. Typicallymobile lift cranes include a counterweight to help balance the cranewhen the crane lifts a load. Typical cranes include a boom suspensionthat is used to change the angle of the boom and provide tension forcesto offset the forces applied to the boom by the load on the load hoistline so that the boom can behave as a column member with onlycompressive forces acting through the length of the boom.

A typical crane is designed to be set up in multiple configurations.Each configuration typically has differing components and varyinggeometry between components in a given configuration. For example, acrane may be designed to be set up with different boom lengthconfigurations to optimize the capacity that the crane can handle, onlyusing as long of a boom as is necessary for a particular lift operationthat the crane is being set up for. Since the boom length will varybetween different configurations, the boom suspension also has to bedesigned to accommodate different boom lengths. Typically the boomsuspension includes multiple sections of suspension members that areconnected together, sometimes referred to as boom backstay straps, whichconnect between the top of the boom and either an equalizer suspendedbetween the boom and a fixed mast, or between the boom and the top of alive mast. On a crane with a relatively long boom, the suspension mayadditionally be connected to the boom at an intermediate location lessthan the top of the boom. On a typical crane with a fixed mast, the boomhoist rigging has multiple parts of line that run between the equalizerand the top of the mast, and is used to control the angle of the boom.

Since the crane will be used in various locations, it needs to bedesigned so that it can be transported from one job site to the next.This usually requires that the crane be dismantled into components thatare of a size and weight that they can be transported by truck withinhighway transportation limits. The ease with which the crane can bedismantled and set up has an impact on the total cost of using thecrane. Thus, to the extent that fewer man-hours are needed to set up thecrane, there is a direct advantage to the crane owner or renter.

It is convenient to transport the sections of the boom straps and jibbackstay straps with the sections of boom between one job site and thenext. This is because, for the most part, the number of sections and thelength of each section of the boom straps and the jib backstay strapsthat will be needed are dependent on the number and lengths of the boomsections that are used to construct the boom. For example, a 100 footboom may be made from a 10 foot boom butt, a 10 foot boom top and four20 foot boom inserts. However, if the boom is going to be 120 feet long,five 20 foot boom inserts will be used. If the boom is going to be 130feet long, five 20 foot inserts and one 10 foot insert will be used.

A typical boom insert has connectors at each end for connection to anadjacent crane section. The connectors are typically tabs having anaperture for receiving a pin. A boom insert may have complementaryconnectors at each end of the boom insert. For example, a near end ofthe boom insert may have single tabs with an aperture. Afar end of theboom insert may use sets of tabs spaced apart by the thickness of thetab on the first end. Thus when the boom inserts are placed together endto end, the single tab of the first end may be orientated between thetwo tabs of the second end with their apertures aligned. A pin is theninserted through the apertures coupling the boom inserts together. Toaid in alignment of the boom inserts during assembly, the tabs on anupper side of a boom insert may be replaced by bracket and pin. The farend of the boom insert may have a bracket on the upper side with thebracket opening upward. The near end of the boom insert may have ahorizontal pin complementary to the bracket. Two boom connections maythen be assembly by joining the bracket and pin with the boom insertsangled relative to one another. Then, with the pin in the bracket, theboom insert is rotated until the tabs on the lower section are aligned.A pin is then inserted into the aperture of the tabs and the boomsections are coupled together.

When other components, such as an intermediate connection to thesuspension are required, they are typically provided as a set for agiven crane configuration. For example, an intermediate suspensionconnector such as a pendant assembly is often used to join a suspensionto the boom when an extended boom configuration is used. A pendantassembly having a fixed, predetermined length connects to the boom atthe connection between adjacent boom inserts. Typically, the lower pinsare replaced by longer pins. The pendant assembly has tabs on its lowerend that are spaced apart the width of the outer tabs of the boominsert. Thus when the boom is assembled, the boom inserts are coupledtogether as described previously with the exception that the pendantassembly is placed over the tabs of the boom insert. Apertures in thependant tabs are aligned with the apertures in the boom insert tabs andthe longer pin is inserted through the pendant tabs and the boom inserttabs. The longer pin couples the boom inserts together along with thependant assembly.

The described system of attaching a pendant assembly to a boom isadvantageous in that it requires no special parts other than the pendantassembly and the longer pins. If the pendants assembly is not required,it is simply not attached between boom sections. Because constructingthe boom and modifying its configuration often results in significantdowntime, any alteration of the boom at the worksite is typicallydiscouraged. Therefore it is important that the proper pendant assemblybe delivered with the boom inserts.

However, the additional pendant assembly complicates assembly of thecrane sections by the additional alignment necessary with the pendantassembly. Also, because the pendant assembly is a separate component,there exists the possibility that the pendant assembly may be lost orunavailable when assembling the boom. The assembly of the boom cannot becompleted until the pendant is in place. This problem may arise in thecontext of any crane component. Since each component is predeterminedbased on its function and size, any missing component will haltconstruction of the crane at the worksite. Therefore there would be agreat benefit if it were possible to assemble crane components by amethod that allowed for at some of the components to have varying sizessuitable for multiple connections, but that still provide the relativestrength, durability, and ease of construction of fixed cranecomponents. Further, by simplifying the connection of the components,such as when a pendant is required, the amount of time it takes toassemble a crane would be shortened and potential delays reduced.

BRIEF SUMMARY

In one aspect, an adjustable length tensioning member for a crane isdisclosed that includes a rope, a first connector, a second connector,and a plurality of connection points. The rope has a first end, a secondend, and a first diameter. The first connector is disposed at the firstend of the rope, the second connector is disposed at the second end ofthe rope, and the plurality of connection points are disposed betweenthe first connector and the second connector. The plurality ofconnection points have a second diameter greater than the firstdiameter.

In some embodiments, the first connector has two parallel tabs securedto the first end of the rope and the parallel tabs have an aperturethere through sized and shaped to receive a pin for connection to acrane component. In some embodiments, the second connector is a safetyhook having a load capacity less than a load capacity of the firstconnector.

In some embodiments, each of the plurality of connection points is afitting secured to the rope. In some embodiments, the fitting is asleeve swaged over the rope.

In another aspect, an adjustable length tensioning assembly is disclosedthat includes a rope connection and a socket. The rope connectorincludes a rope having a first end, a second end, and a first diameter,a first rope connector disposed at the first end of the rope, with thefirst rope connector configured to connect to a first crane component; asecond rope connector disposed at the second end of the rope; and aplurality of connection points disposed between the first connector andthe second connector with the plurality of connection points having asecond diameter greater than the first diameter. The socket includes afirst end having a socket connector configured to connect to a secondcrane component; a second end having an recess housing a portion of therope connector, the recess having a first portion having a thirddiameter greater than the second diameter and a second portion having afourth diameter greater than the first diameter and less than the seconddiameter, the transition from the first portion to the second portionforming a seat; and an access slot extending laterally from a lateralside of the socket to the recess and axially the length of the recess,the access slot having a width greater than the first diameter and lessthan the second diameter.

In some embodiments, the first connector is two parallel tabs secured tothe first end of the rope, with the parallel tabs having an aperturethere through sized and shaped to receive a pin for connection to acrane component. In some embodiments, the second connector is a safetyhook having a load capacity less than a load capacity of the firstconnector.

In some embodiments, each of the plurality of connection points is afitting secured to the rope. In some embodiments, the fitting is asleeve swaged over the rope.

In some embodiments, the socket further includes an aperture disposedtraverse to the recess, the aperture sized and shaped to receive aretaining pin for retaining a connection point of the rope connector inthe recess. In some embodiments, the socket connector has two legshaving a socket connector aperture sized and shaped to receive a pin fora rotatable connection to a crane component. In some embodiments, thesocket further includes a retaining aperture parallel to the socketconnector aperture, the retaining aperture sized and shaped to receive aretaining pin configured to inhibit rotation of the socket.

In another aspect a method for connecting a tensioning assembly betweentwo crane components is disclosed the includes coupling a first end of arope connector to a first crane component, the rope connector having aplurality of enlarged diameter connection points; coupling a socket to asecond crane connection point, the socket having an recess with a firstportion having a diameter greater than a diameter of the enlargeddiameter connection points and a second portion having a diametergreater than a diameter of the rope connector and less than the diameterof the enlarged portions, the transition from the first portion to thesecond portion forming a seat; passing a portion of the rope connectorinto the second portion until an enlarged diameter connection point iswithin the first portion; securing the enlarged diameter connectionpoint within the first portion; and moving the first crane componentrelative to the second crane component to tension the tensioningassembly.

In some embodiments, the method further includes securing a second endof the rope connector to the second crane component.

In some embodiments passing the portion of the rope connector isperformed with the socket non-perpendicular to a surface of the secondcrane component and wherein the method further includes, pivoting thesocket perpendicular to the surface of the second crane component andsecuring the socket in place.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a side view of an embodiment of a mobile lift cranehaving a live mast.

FIG. 2 illustrates a side view of an embodiment of a mobile lift cranehaving a fixed mast.

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of a boom insert suitable for usein the embodiments of the mobile lift cranes of FIGS. 1 and 2.

FIG. 4 illustrates a side view of the boom insert of FIG. 3 showing apendant connecting the boom insert and a suspension assembly segment.

FIG. 5 illustrates a detailed perspective view of the top end of thependant being connected to the suspension assembly segment of FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 illustrates a detailed perspective view of the bottom end of thependant being connected to the boom insert of FIG. 3.

FIG. 7 illustrates a side view of the boom insert of FIG. 3 andsuspension assembly segment with the suspension assembly segment beingraised.

FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of the boom segment of FIG. 3 withan alternative pendant assembly.

FIG. 9 illustrates a perspective view of the boom insert of FIG. 8showing the alternative pendant assembly being coupled to the boominsert and the suspension assembly segment.

FIG. 10 illustrates a perspective view of the alternative pendantassembly of FIG. 8 being extended with the suspension assembly segmentbeing raised.

FIG. 11 illustrates the boom insert of FIG. 3 with a box for storingpendants in the boom insert.

FIG. 12a illustrates a top view of an alternative embodiment of aninsert.

FIG. 12b illustrates a side view of the insert of FIG. 12 a.

FIG. 13a illustrates a top view of an alternative embodiment of aninsert.

FIG. 13b illustrates a side view of the insert of FIG. 13 a.

FIG. 14a illustrates a top view of an alternative embodiment of aninsert.

FIG. 14b illustrates a side view of the insert of FIG. 14 a.

FIG. 15a illustrates a top view of an alternative embodiment of aninsert.

FIG. 15b illustrates a side view of the insert of FIG. 15 a.

FIG. 16 illustrates a side view of an alternative embodiment of aninsert.

FIG. 17 illustrates a perspective view an end of the inset of FIG. 16.

FIG. 18 illustrates a detailed view of the embodiment of FIG. 16 showingan end connection of a flexible pendant.

FIG. 19 illustrates a detailed view of the embodiment of FIG. 16 showinga connection of a flexible pendant.

FIG. 20 illustrates a detailed view of the embodiment of FIG. 16 showinga detailed cross section of a connection of a flexible pendant.

FIG. 21 illustrates an embodiment of an adjustable length tensioningassembly.

FIG. 22a illustrates a perspective view of a socket for use in anadjustable length tensioning assembly.

FIG. 22b illustrates a side view of the socket of FIG. 22 a.

FIG. 22c illustrates a cut away view of the socket of FIG. 22 a.

FIG. 22d illustrates a cut away view of the socket of FIG. 22 a.

FIGS. 23a and 23b illustrate a top view and a side view, respectively,of a rope connector for use in the adjustable tensioning assembly ofFIG. 21.

FIG. 24 illustrates an adjustable length tensioning assembly in aworking configuration.

FIG. 25 illustrates an adjustable length tensioning assembly in aconfiguration suitable for assembly.

FIG. 26 illustrates an adjustable length tensioning assembly in aconfiguration suitable for transportation.

FIG. 27 illustrates an adjustable length tensioning assembly used as ajib backstay.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following passages, different embodiments are defined in moredetail. Each aspect so defined may be combined with any other aspect oraspects unless clearly indicated to the contrary. In particular, anyfeature indicated as being preferred or advantageous may be combinedwith any other feature or features indicated as being preferred oradvantageous.

The following terms used in the specification and claims have a meaningdefined as follows.

The term “crane suspension assembly section” refers to sections that areconnected together to form a suspension assembly for a crane. Examplesof crane suspension assembly sections include a) sections, sometimescalled strap sections, of the backstay between the boom top and theequalizer or live mast; b) sections of the backstay between a boom buttand a jib strut; c) sections of the backstay between a jib strut and ajib top, and d) counterweight strap sections between a mast top and acounterweight. Besides strap sections, which are traditionally elongatedrigid metal members with a head on each end with a hole there through,sometimes wire rope pendants or even carbon fiber tension members areused to create the longitudinal part of the crane suspension assembly,and are therefore crane suspension assembly sections. The sections maybe made of multiple parallel elongated members. The term “cranesuspension assembly section” also includes the equalizer and the boomtop, since these are parts of the boom suspension assembly and areconnected to boom backstay straps. “Crane suspension assembly section”also includes other members attached to strap sections, such as the boombutt, the mast top, the jib top, jib strut tops and live mast top, andintermediate suspension members.

The term “pin” refers to a generally cylindrical member that allowspivotal rotation between two or more structures that have a hole throughthem and are connected together by the pin fitting through the holes. Apin may include a head or retainer, such as a cotter pin, on one or bothends to prevent the pin from sliding longitudinally through the holes.While most pins used in the present embodiments will have smooth shafts,a bolt with a threaded shaft may be used as a pin in some instances, andis such usages is therefore within the meaning of the term “pin.”

The term “connector plate” refers to a structure used to hold anelongated section of the crane suspension assembly to other sections ofthe assembly. Typically connectors have two holes through them so thatthey can be attached, with a pin through each hole, between twoadjoining straps in the crane suspension assembly. A connector may haveonly one link plate. More typically the connector is made of multiplelink plates so that it can sandwich the head of the strap between thelink plates and thus transfer tension loads equally through the two linkplates without inducing bending moments through the connector/strapsection joint. When the straps which the connectors are attached aremade of multiple parallel elongated members, the connectors will ofteninclude a number of link plates one greater than the number of elongatedmembers. For example, when the sections of the crane suspension systemare made of two elongated members, the connector will be made with threelink plates.

The term “tab” refers to an extension of material extending from astructure. A tab may be a separate component that is joined to thestructure through commonly available techniques such as fasteners,welding, gluing or otherwise bonding. A “tab pair” refers to a pair oftabs that are used for a common purpose. For example, a tab pair mayreceive a component in a space between pair of tabs and both of the tabsmay be used to secure the component.

While the disclosed subject matter will have applicability to many typesof cranes, they will be described in connection with a mobile lift crane10, shown in an operational configuration with a live mast in FIG. 1 andin an operational configuration with a fixed mast in FIG. 2. The mobilelift crane 10 includes lower works, also referred to as a carbody 12,and moveable ground engaging members in the form of crawlers 14. Ofcourse additional crawlers than those shown can be used, as well asother types of ground engaging members, such as tires.

A rotating bed 20 is mounted to the carbody 12 with a slewing ring, suchthat the rotating bed 20 can swing about an axis with respect to theground engaging members 14. The rotating bed 20 supports a boom 22pivotally mounted on a front portion of the rotating bed 20; a live mast28 mounted at its first end on the rotating bed 20, boom hoist rigging30 connected to the live mast 28 adjacent a second end of the live mast28; and a moveable counterweight unit 34. In FIG. 1, the counterweightunit 34 has multiple stacks of individual counterweight members on asupport member. In other embodiments, the counterweight unit may have asingle counter weight.

Boom hoist rigging 30 (described in more detail below) between the topof the live mast 28 and the rotating bed is used to control the angle ofthe live mast 28. A suspension assembly 36 between the top of the livemast 28 and the boom 22 supports the boom. A load hoist line (not shown)is trained over a pulley on the boom 22, supporting a hook (not shown)at a first end. At a second end, the load hoist line is wound on a firstmain load hoist drum (not shown) connected to the rotating bed 20. Therotating bed 20 includes other elements commonly found on a mobile liftcrane 10, such as an operator's cab and a hoist drum for the boom hoistrigging 30.

The boom hoist rigging 30 includes a boom hoist line in the form of wirerope wound on a boom hoist drum, and reeved through sheaves on the livemast 28. The live mast 28 is connected to the rotating bed 20 though theboom hoist rigging 30 and to the boom through the suspension assembly36. This arrangement allows rotation of the boom hoist drum to changethe amount of boom hoist line between the live mast 28 and the rotatingbed 20 changing the mast angle and thereby changing the boom anglethrough the suspension assembly 36.

As described above, the boom 22 is made by connecting multiple boomsections together and the boom 22 is supported during crane operation bythe suspension assembly 36 made from boom strap sections. The top end ofthe suspension assembly 36 is connected to the top end of the boom 22and an intermediate location of the suspension assembly 36 is connectedto an intermediate location of the boom 22 through a pendant 38. In thecrane of FIG. 1, the boom 22 connects to the suspension assembly 36through multiple pendants 38 at different locations on the boom 22.

FIG. 2 illustrates the mobile lift crane of FIG. 1 having a fixed mast60 in place of the live mast 28. The fixed mast 60 is connected to theboom 22 through suspension assembly 62. The suspensions assembly 62 isconnected to the boom 22 at the hoist end near the top of the boom andat an intermediate location through a pendant 64. The fixed mast 60 hasa boom hoist line reeved between the fixed mast 60 and an equalizer 66coupled to the suspension assembly 62 configured to adjust the distancebetween the fixed mast 60 and the hoist end of the boom 22 therebyadjusting the boom angle. The suspension assembly 62 is made up of theboom strap sections as described previously.

FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment of an intermediate suspensionconnection column segment in the form of a boom insert 300. Anintermediate suspension connection column segment is not exclusive to aboom insert 300 and may be used in other column structures such as jibsand masts. Embodiments of intermediate suspension connection columnsegment are not limited to booms. A column may be formed of multipleintermediate suspension connection column segments allowing thesuspension assembly to connect to the column in multiple locations.

The boom insert 300 includes a lattice of structural elements 302coupled to four longitudinal shafts 304, 305, 306, 307. Other numbers ofshafts and different types of construction of an intermediate suspensionconnection column segment are possible and the embodiment of FIG. 3 isonly given as an example. The four shafts 304, 305, 306, 307 arearranged in a rectangular pattern with an axis of each shaft 304, 305,306, 307 arranged on a vertex of the rectangular pattern. The shafts304, 305, 306, 307 are parallel to one another along their axes suchthat together they form a column. The structural elements 302 arearranged diagonally along the sides of the boom insert 300 such asbetween shafts 304 and 305, shafts 305 and 306, shafts 306 and 307, andshafts 307 and 304. At each end of the boom insert 300 horizontalstructural elements 308, 310, 312, 314 and vertical structural elements316, 318, 320, 322 are arranged between the rods to form a rectangularend of the boom insert 300.

A first end 324 of the boom insert 300 has a first tab 326 and a secondtab 328 extending from the lower shafts 304, 307 of the boom insert 300.Each tab 326, 328 has a horizontal aperture 330 sized and shaped toreceive a pin. A first hook 332 and a second hook 334 extendrespectively from the upper shafts 305, 306 of the first end 324 of theboom insert 300. The first hook 332 and the second hook 334 open upwardand are sized and shaped to receive a pin.

A second end 336 of the boom insert 300 opposite the first end 324 hasfour tab pairs 338, with each tab pair 338 extending longitudinally froma shaft 304, 305, 306, 307. The tab pairs 338 each have a first tab 340and a second tab 342 spaced apart by a distance slightly greater than awidth of the tabs 326, 328 on the first end 324. The tab pairs 338 eachhave an aperture 344 sized and shaped to receive a pin.

A lower cross member 346 is disposed between the first end 324 of theboom insert 300 and the second end 336 of the boom insert 300. The lowercross member 346 extends from a first lower shaft 304 horizontally to asecond lower shaft 307. The lower cross member 346 has additionalstructural supports 348 tying the lower cross member 346 into the boominsert 300. In other embodiments, it is possible that no additionalstructural supports are present. A first connector and a secondconnector are disposed on an upper side of the lower cross member 346.In the embodiment of FIG. 3 the first connector and the second connectorare tabs 350, each having an aperture there through. The apertureprovides a location for a pendant to attach to the lower cross member346.

Two upper cross members 354, 356 are disposed on the upper shafts 305,306 above the lower cross member 346. The upper cross members 354, 356have a longitudinal spacing sufficient to allow a pendant to passbetween them. In some embodiments, the two upper cross members 354, 356have additional structural members tying them into the boom insert 300.

Pendant elements 358, 359, 360, 361 are stored within the latticestructure of the boom insert 300 when not in use. In other embodiments,the pendant elements 358, 359, 360, 361 are stored separate from theboom insert 300. A first pair of pendants 358, 361 has a first lengthfor operating at a first boom length. A second pair of pendants 359, 361has a second length for operating at a second boom length. Additionallypairs of pendants are possible for additional boom lengths. The pairs ofpendants are secured within the boom insert 300 through conventionalmeans such as by clamps, straps, fasteners, and the like.

FIG. 11 illustrates the boom insert of FIG. 3 with a box 1100 forstoring pendants during transport of the boom insert 300. The box 1100has two tabs 1104 extending from a side of the box 1100. The tabs 1104have a distance between their outer faces that is less than the distancebetween the tabs 350 on the lower cross member 346 such that the tabs1104 of the box 1100 fit between the tabs 350 of the lower cross member346. A pin is inserted into the aperture of the lower cross member tabs350 and into an aperture of the tabs 1104 of the box 1100 to secure thebox 1100 to the boom insert 350. The box 1100 is divided into a seriesof compartments 1108 for storing a pendant. In the embodiment of FIG.11, the pendants are flexible and are coiled for storage. Once coiled,they are placed in a compartment 1108 of the box 1100. The box 1100shown in FIG. 11 has 6 compartments 1108, and each compartment 1108houses a pair of pendants for a total of 6 different possible lengths.Or other embodiments each compartment 1108 holds a single pendant suchthat three pairs of pendants are stored in the box 1100. Otherquantities of compartments 1108 are possible and the storage of thependants may be mixed, with some compartments 1108 holding a singlependant and other holding more than one pendant. In some embodiments, acover (not shown) is secured over the box 1100 to close the compartments1108 holding the pendants. During use of the boom insert 300, the box1100 may be removed from the boom insert 300.

Referring back to FIG. 3, a suspension assembly section 362 is stored onthe boom insert 300. The suspension assembly section 362 includes afirst strap assembly 363 and a second strap assembly 364. Each of thestrap assemblies 363, 364 includes a first strap segment 365, a secondstrap segment 366, and a three-way connector 367. A first end of thefirst strap segment 365 is coupled to the three-way connector 367 and afirst end of the second strap segment 366 is coupled to the three-wayconnector 367. A second end of the first strap segment 365 has aconnector for connecting to an adjacent component. A second end of thesecond strap segment 366 has a connector for connecting to an adjacentcomponent. The second ends of the strap segments 365, 366 are configuredto connect directly to an adjacent strap. In other embodiments, they areconfigured to connect to an adjacent strap through a connector plate.The strap assemblies 363, 364 may be secured to the boom segment 300 fortransportation and storage using commonly available components, such asclamps, straps, fasteners, and the like.

FIG. 5 illustrates a detailed view of the first and second strapsegments 363, 364 of first strap assembly 363 connected to the three-wayconnector 367. The first end of each strap segment 363, 364 has anaperture sized and shaped to receive a pin. The three-way connector 367has a thickness that is similar to a thickness of the strap segments363, 364. Three apertures are disposed in the three-way connector 367with each aperture sized and shaped to receive a pin. A pair ofconnector plates 368, 370 is disposed about the first end of a strapsegment 363 with an aperture 372 of the connector plates 368, 370aligning with the aperture of the strap segment 363. A pin (not shown)is inserted through the aperture 372 of the connector plates 368, 370and the aperture of the first end of the strap segment 363, coupling thestrap segment 363 to the connector plates 368, 370. The connector plates368, 370 are positioned on each side of the three-way connector 367 witha second aperture 374 of the connector plates aligned with an apertureof the three-way connector 367. A pin (not shown) is inserted throughthe aperture 374 of the connector plates 368, 370 and through theaperture of the three-way connector 367, coupling the connector plates368, 370 to the three-way connector 367. The process is repeated for theremaining strap segment 364 such that two strap segments 363, 364 arecoupled to the three-way connector 367. With the strap segments 363, 364coupled to the three-way connector 367, the strap assembly 363 is readyto be used in a suspension assembly such as suspension assembly 36 andsuspension assembly 62 as illustrated in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 respectively.

FIG. 4 illustrates a side view of an embodiment of the boom insert 300of FIG. 3 having a pendant 360 coupled to the lower cross member 346 andto a strap assembly 364. FIG. 5 illustrates a detailed view ofconnection of the pendant 360 to the three-way connector 367, while FIG.6 illustrates a detailed view of the pendant 360 coupled to the tab 350of the lower cross member 346. In this embodiment the pendant 360 is aflexible rope tensioning member 376. The flexible rope tensioning member376 has a connector 378 at each end with a parallel tab pair 380 havingan aperture 382. The parallel tab pair 380 is spaced apart by a distancegreater than a width of the tab 350 on the lower cross member 346 andthe width of the three-way connector 367.

As illustrated in FIG. 6, the connector 378 at the lower end of thependant 360 is coupled to the lower cross member 346 by placing the tabpair 380 over the tab 350 of the lower cross member 346 such that theaperture of the tab pair 380 aligns with the aperture of the tab 350 ofthe lower cross member 346. A pin (not shown) is then inserted throughthe apertures coupling the pendant 360 to the lower cross member 346.

As illustrated in FIG. 5, the upper end of the pendant 360 is coupled tothe three-way connector 367 by a tab pair 384 of the upper connector 386that overlies the three-way connector 367 and is aligned with theaperture of the tab pair 384 and with an available aperture of thethree-way connector 367. A pin 387 is inserted though the aperturescoupling the pendant 360 to the three-way connector 367.

FIG. 7 illustrates the boom insert 300 of FIG. 4 with the suspensionassembly section 362 being coupled to the boom insert 300 throughpendant 360. The suspension assembly section 362 is shown elevated abovethe boom insert 300 with the pendant 360 being stretched between thesuspension assembly section 362 and the boom insert 300. This occurswhen the mobile crane lifts the boom by reeving in the boom hoist line,tensioning the suspension assembly section 362 causing it to lift fromthe boom insert 300 as shown in FIG. 7. The suspension assembly section362 lifts the boom insert 300 through the pendant 360 as the mobilecrane lifts the boom. Different lengths of pendants are used to adjustthe height the suspension assembly section 362 rises above the boominsert 300 before lifting the boom insert 300. Typically, when the boominsert 300 is used near the hoist end of the boom, a shorter pendant isused compared to when the boom insert 300 being used farther from thehoist end of the boom.

FIG. 8 illustrates the boom insert 300 of FIG. 3 with an alternativependant assembly 800. The pendant assembly 800 has two vertical posts802, 804 coupled by cross bracing 806. A lower end of each vertical post802, 804 has a connector 806 for coupling to the lower crossbar 346 ofthe boom insert 300. The connector 806 is a tab pair 808 spaced apart byat last the thickness of the tab 350 of the lower cross member 346. Thetab pair 808 has an aperture 810 sized and shaped to receive a pin. Asshown in FIG. 9, in use the tab pair 810 is placed over the tab 350 ofthe lower cross member 346 such that the aperture 810 of the tab pair808 is aligned with the aperture of the tab 350 of the lower crossmember 346. A pin (not shown) is inserted through the apertures 810 tocouple the pendant assembly 800 to the boom insert 300.

Each of the vertical posts 802, 804 has a longitudinal cavity disposedin an upper end of the post. The longitudinal cavity is sized and shapedto receive a post insert 812 in a slidable connection. A post insert 812is disposed in the longitudinal cavity. A retention mechanism retainsthe post insert 812 within the longitudinal cavity. Thus the post insert812 is free to move vertically within the longitudinal cavity, but theretention mechanism prevents the post insert 812 from leaving thelongitudinal cavity completely. In some embodiments, the retentionmechanism is a vertical slot 814 (not shown in the figure) in the postinsert 812 and a corresponding pin 816 extending from the vertical post802 into the vertical slot 814. In other embodiments, the retentionmechanism is an enlarged lower portion of the post insert 812 and anarrowed upper portion of the post cavity, a mechanical interferencepreventing the post insert 812 from escaping the post cavity, or anyother retention mechanism.

The post insert 812 has an upper end having a fastener for coupling to astrap assembly. In some embodiments, the upper end has a tab pair thatfunction as previously described with relation to the flexible pendantupper connector 384. In such embodiments the upper connector 384 couplesto the existing three-way connection 367. In other embodiments, theupper end of the post insert 812 has two tabs 818, 820 extending fromthe post insert 802 with each of the tabs 818, 820 having an aperture822, 824 sized and shaped to receive a pin. In such embodiments thethree-way connector is not necessary and the connection plates 368, 370are connected directly to the pendant assembly 800 by inserting a pinthrough the aperture of the connection plates 368, 370 and the aperture822, 824 of a tab 818, 820 on the post insert 812.

FIG. 10 illustrates the boom insert of FIG. 3 with the pendant assemblyof FIGS. 8 and 9. The suspension assembly section 362 is shown elevatedabove the boom insert 300 with the pendant assembly 800 being extendedbetween the suspension assembly section 362 and the boom insert 300. Thetension in the suspension assembly section 362 lift the boom insert 300as shown in FIG. 10 when a mobile crane lifts the boom. The suspensionassembly section 362 lifts the boom insert 300 through the pendantassembly 800 as the mobile crane lifts the boom. Different lengths ofpendants assemblies' may be used to adjust the height the suspensionassembly section 362 rises above the boom insert 300 before lifting theboom insert 300. In other embodiments, the retention mechanism may beadjustable to control the length that the post inserts 802, 804 riseabove the boom insert 300. For instance, when the retention mechanism isa slot 814 in the post insert 802, 804 and a pin 816 extending into theslot 814, the pin 816 may have different locations in which it may beinserted to adjust the height that the suspension assembly section 362rises.

FIGS. 12a and 12b illustrate another embodiment of an boom insert 1201having intermediate connection disposed between a first end 1205 and asecond end 1206 of the insert 1201. The insert 1201 has an attachmentmechanism disposed on each end 1205, 1206. The attachment mechanismincludes tabs and apertures as described previously with respect to FIG.3. Other connection types are possible such as hooks, bolts, clamps, andthe like. The insert 1201 is similar in structure to the embodiment ofFIG. 3 and like elements will not be repeated.

The insert 1201 has a cross member 1207 coupled to a first lower shaft1208 and a second lower shaft 1209. The cross member 1207 has a firstsheave 1210 and a second sheave 1211 mounted thereto. The first sheave1210 and the second sheave 1211 rotate about the cross member 1207. Apendant assembly 1212 has a first flexible pendant 1213 and a secondflexible pendant 1214 connected by a cross pendant 1215. The firstpendant 1213 couples to the first lower shaft 1208 at a firstintermediate connection 1203, and the second pendant 1214 couples to thefirst lower shaft 1209 at a second intermediate connection 1204. In theembodiment of FIG. 12a , each lower shaft has additional intermediateconnections such as intermediate connection 1216 and intermediateconnection 1217. The first pendant 1213 and the second pendant 1214 areconfigured to couple to any of the intermediate connections. By changingthe intermediate connection to which the pendants connect, the effectivelength of the pendant is varied.

FIGS. 13a and 13b depict another embodiment of an insert 1301 having anintermediate connection in the form of a drum disposed between a firstend 1305 and a second end 1306 of the insert 1301. The insert 1301 hasan attachment mechanism disposed on each end 1305, 1306 for attachmentto an adjoining insert. The attachment mechanism includes tabs andapertures as described previously with respect to FIG. 3. Otherconnection types are possible such as hooks, bolts, clamps, and thelike. The insert 1301 is similar in structure to the embodiment of FIG.3 and like elements will not be repeated.

The insert 1301 has a cross member assembly 1307 coupled to a firstlower shaft 1308 and a second lower shaft 1309. The cross memberassembly 1307 has a first drum 1310 and a second drum 1311. Each drum1310, 1311 has an associated flexible pendant 1312 that wraps around thedrum 1310, 1311 and is coupled to drum 1310, 1311. A free end 1313 ofthe flexible pendant 1312 extends away from the drum 1310, 1311 and isconfigured to connect to a suspension assembly. The drum 1310, 1311 isrotated to adjust the length of the flexible pendant 1312 extending fromthe drum 1310, 1311. In some embodiments, the drum 1310, 1311 ismanually rotated and has a brake to hold the drum 1310, 1311 in placewhen the desired length of flexible pendant 1312 is extended. In otherembodiments, the drum 1310, 1311 is a powered drum rotated by anelectric actuator such as a motor, a hydraulic actuator such as ahydraulic drive, or a mechanical connection.

FIGS. 14a and 14b depict another embodiment of an insert 1401 having anintermediate connection disposed between a first end 1405 and a secondend 1406 of the insert 1401. The insert 1401 has an attachment mechanismdisposed on each end 1405, 1406 for attachment to an adjoining insert.The attachment mechanism includes tabs and apertures as describedpreviously with respect to FIG. 3. Other connection types are possiblesuch as hooks, bolts, clamps, and the like. The insert 1401 is similarin structure to the embodiment of FIG. 3 and like elements will not berepeated.

The insert 1401 has a cross member assembly 1407 coupled to a firstlower shaft 1408 and a second lower shaft 1409. The cross memberassembly 1407 has a cylindrical capstan 1410 having a first flexiblependant 1411 and a second flexible pendant 1412 wrapped about thecylindrical capstan 1410. The flexible pendants 1411, 1412 a first freeend 1413 of the flexible pendants 1411, 1412 extends away from thecapstan 1410 and has an end connection for connecting to a suspensionassembly. A second free end 1414 of the flexible pendants 1411, 1412extends away from the capstan along a lower side of the insert and iscoupled to either the first lower shaft 1408 or the second lower shaft1409. The lower shafts 1408, 1408 each have multiple connections 1415,1416, 1417 at which the second end of the flexible pendant 1411, 1412may attach. By adjusting the position at which the second free end 1414of the flexible pendant 1411, 1412 attaches to the lower shafts 1408,1409, the extended length of the first free end 1413 is adjusted.Additionally, the length of the first free end 1413 of the flexiblependant 1411, 1412 is adjustable by changing the number of wraps of theflexible pendant 1411, 1412 around the capstan 1410.

FIGS. 15a and 15b depict another embodiment of an insert 1501 having anintermediate connection disposed between a first end 1505 and a secondend 1506 of the insert 1501. The insert 1501 has an attachment mechanismdisposed on each end 1505, 1506 for attachment to an adjoining insert.The attachment mechanism includes tabs and apertures as describedpreviously with respect to FIG. 3. Other connection types are possiblesuch as hooks, bolts, clamps, and the like. The insert 1501 is similarin structure to the embodiment of FIG. 3 and like elements will not berepeated.

The insert 1501 has a cross member assembly 1507 coupled to a firstlower shaft 1508 and a second lower shaft 1509. The cross memberassembly 1507 has a cylindrical capstan 1510 having a first flexiblependant 1511 and a second flexible pendant 1512 wrapped about thecylindrical capstan 1510. A free end 1513 of the flexible pendants 1511,1512 extends away from the capstan 1510 and has an end connection forconnecting to a suspension assembly. An opposite end of the flexiblependants 1511, 1512 is coupled to the capstan 1510. The length of thefree end 1513 of the pendants 1511, 1512 is adjusted by changing thenumber of wraps the flexible pendants 1511, 1512 wrap around the capstan1510.

FIG. 16 depicts another embodiment of an insert 1601 having anintermediate connection disposed between a first end 1605 and a secondend 1606 of the insert 1601. The insert 1601 has an attachment mechanismdisposed on each end 1605, 1606 for attachment to an adjoining insert.The attachment mechanism includes tabs and apertures as describedpreviously with respect to FIG. 3. Other connection types are possiblesuch as hooks, bolts, clamps, and the like. The insert 1601 is similarin structure to the embodiment of FIG. 3 and like elements will not berepeated.

The insert 1601 has a cross member 1607 coupled to a first lower shaft1608 and a second lower shaft 1650. Flexible pendants 1609, 1651 connectto the cross member 1607 and have free end 1610, 1652 that extends awayfrom the cross member 1607 towards a suspension assembly. The flexiblependants 1609, 1651 have a plurality of buttons 1611, 1612, 1613, orareas of enlarged cross section that secure within a connection on thecross member 1607 as will be described below. The buttons 1611, 1612,1613 are set at a fixed length and depending on the particular buttonthat is used to secure the flexible pendants 1609, 1651 the effectivelength of the flexible pendants 1609, 1651 is adjusted.

FIG. 17 illustrates a perspective view of the second end 1606 of theinsert 1601 of FIG. 16 showing the flexible pendants 1609, 1651. FIG. 18is a detailed view of a flexible pendant 1609 position along the firstshaft 1609 and have a free end 1653 attached to the first shaft 1609.The first shaft 1609 has multiple locations in which the free end 1653is attached depending on the length of the flexible pendant.

FIG. 19 illustrates a detailed view of the connection of FIG. 16 and itsinteraction with the buttons 1611, 1612, 1613 of the flexible pendant1609. FIG. 20 is a detailed cross section of the connection of FIG. 16.Referring to FIG. 20, the connection has tab pair 1614 that is coupledto the cross member 1607 through a conventional means such as welding.The tab pair 1614 has an aperture 1615 through which a pin 1616 isinserted. The pin 1616 has a length greater than an external width ofthe tab pair 1614 such that the pin 1616 extends from both sides of thetab pair 1614 when it is inserted. A first cotter pin 1617 and a secondcotter pin 1618 secures the pin 1616 within the aperture 1615 of the tabpair 1614. In other embodiments, the pin 1616 has a threaded end and isthreaded within the aperture 1615 or threaded into a nut outside of thetab pair 1614.

A socket 1619 has two legs 1620 with apertures 1621 that are similar tothe aperture 1615 of the tab pair 1614. In use, the legs 1620 are placedin the space between each tab of the tab pair 1614 such that theapertures 1615 of the tab pair 1614 and the apertures 1621 of the legs1620 are aligned. The pin 1616 is then inserted through the apertures1615, 1621 securing the socket 1619 to the tab pairs 1614. In otherembodiments, the legs 1620 have an internal spacing wider than the outerwidth of the tab pair 1614 such that in use the tab pair 1614 fitsbetween the legs 1620.

The socket 1619 of FIG. 20 is shown cut away so that the interaction ofthe button 1622 and the socket 1619 can be seen. The socket 1619 has arecess 1623 having an internal diameter that is larger than an externaldiameter of the button 1622. At one end of the recess 1623, there is aportion 1624 having a reduced diameter that is larger than an externaldiameter of the flexible pendant 1609, but less than the outer diameterof the button 1623. A slot 1625 that is wider than the flexible pendant1609, but narrower than the button 1623 is cut along one side of thesocket 1619. Thus a portion of the flexible pendant 1609 between buttonsmay be inserted into the recess 1623 through the slot 1625. The flexiblependant 1609 is then be moved with the button 1622 sliding into therecess 1623. The button 1622 slides within the recess 1623 until thebutton 1622 reaches the reduced diameter portion 1624 of the recess. Anaperture 1626 passes through the socket 1619 across the recess 1623 at adistance just past the length of the button 1622 such that when thebutton 1622 is placed in the recess 1623 a second pin 1627 insertedthrough the aperture 1626 locks the button 1622 within the recess 1623.

In an exemplary embodiment, the button 1622 is a sleeve swaged to theflexible pendant 1609. In an alternative embodiment, the button 1622 isan enlarged diameter portion created by a change in a weave pattern ofthe rope. The button 1622 is removed the recess 1623 by removing thesecond pin 1627 and sliding the button 1622 from the recess 1623. Theflexible pendant 1609 can then be removed by sliding it out of thesocket slot 1625. The effective length of the flexible pendant 1609 isadjusted by inserting different buttons within the recess 1623.

The flexible pendant of FIGS. 16 through 20 may be utilized as atensioning member in embodiments other than as an intermediatesuspension connection member. FIG. 21 illustrates a generic connector2100 suitable for use with an adjustable length tensioning member. Inuse, the generic connector 2100 is coupled to a crane componentrequiring a tensioned connection to another crane component. Component2102 may be a boom insert as described previously, or it may be acomponent such as a chassis, mast, rotating body, hoist, jib, bed, orother crane component. While component 2102 is shown as a tubularmember, it could be a planar surface, or other component surface.

The component 2102 has a first tab 2104 and a second tab 2106 coupled tothe component 2102. The first tab 2104 and the second tab 2106 may be aseparate structure connected to the component 2102 through conventionaltechniques such as a weld, or the first tab 2104 and the second tab 2106could be an integral part of the component 2102. The first tab 2104 andthe second tab 2106 each have a tab aperture (not visible in FIG. 21) inline with one another sized and shaped to receive a pin 2210. the tabs2104, 2106 extend away from the surface of the component 2102 to offsetthe tab apertures from the surface of the component 2102.

A socket 2112, which will be described in more detail in FIGS. 22athrough 22d , is disposed with a portion of the socket 2112 between thetabs 2104, 2106. The socket 2112 has a socket aperture 2108 sized andshaped to receive the pin 2210. When assembled, the socket aperture 2108is aligned with the tab apertures and the pin 2210 is inserted throughthe tab apertures and the socket aperture 2210, securing the socket 2112in a rotating connection about the axis of the pin 2210. The pin 2210 isenlarged at one end preventing it from passing completely through theaperture and the other end of the pin 2210 receives a cotter pin toprevent the pin 2210 from sliding back out of the tab aperture.

FIGS. 22a through 22d illustrate the socket 2212 in greater detail. Thesocket 2212 has a first end having the socket aperture 2108 forreceiving the pin 2210 and a second end having a recess 2214 forreceiving a rope connector 2215 (shown in FIG. 23). The first end isforked with a first leg 2216 and a second leg 2218 having a space therebetween. The spacing between the legs 2216, 2218 enables a rope to bethreaded into the recess 2214. In other embodiments, a single leg may bepresent.

FIG. 22c illustrates a section view of the socket 2212 taken alongsection AA of FIG. 22b . The section view illustrates the second end ofthe socket 2212 and the recess 2214 for receiving the rope connector2215. The recess 2214 is sized and shaped to pass the rope connector2215 there through and has a seat 2220 for receiving a button 2222 onthe rope connector 2215. A first portion 2224 of the recess 2214 has across section complementary to the button 2222 secured to the ropeconnector 2215 and extends from the space between the legs 2216, 2218towards an end face 2226 at the second end of the socket 2212. For easeof manufacturing, the cross section is be circular and the first portion2224 is cylindrical. In other embodiments, the cross section is adifferent shape such as a square and the first portion has acomplementary profile. The end of the first portion 2224 opposite thelegs 2216, 2218 transitions into a second portion 2228 having a reduceddiameter and extending through to the end face 2226. The transition fromthe first portion 2224 to the second portion 2228 forms the seat 2220for receiving the button 2222. The reduced diameter is sizedcomplementary to a diameter of the rope connector 2215 to allow the ropeconnector 2215 to pass through the second portion 2228, while minimizingplay between the rope connector 2215 and the socket 2212.

FIG. 22d illustrates a section view of the socket 2212 taken alongsection BB of FIG. 22b . The section view further illustrates the recess2214 and highlights an access slot 2230 formed along a side of therecess 2214. The access slot 2230 provides access from a side of thesocket 2212 to the recess 2214 and extends the length of the recess2214. The access slot 2230 has a width that is slightly greater than thediameter of the rope connector 2215, such that the rope connector 2215may be placed into the recess 2214 by passing it through the access slot2230.

FIGS. 23a and 23b (collectively “FIG. 23”) illustrate the rope connector2215 in greater detail. The rope connector 2215 includes a rope 2232 anda plurality of buttons 2222 fixed in position along the rope 2232 andhaving an enlarged diameter relative to the rope 2232. At a first end ofthe rope 2232, a first connector 2234 for connection to a cranecomponent is disposed and a second end of the rope 2232 has a secondconnector 2236 for connection to crane component.

The plurality of buttons 2222 are secured at discreet positions alongthe rope 2232 such that the distance from the first connector 2234 toeach button 2222 corresponds to a normal working distance of the rope2232. For example, the embodiment shown in FIG. 23 has a first button2237 ten feet from the first connector 2234, a second button 2238 elevenfeet from the first connector 2234, a third button 2239 thirteen feetfrom the first connector 2234, a fourth button 2240 fourteen feet fromthe first connector 2234, a fifth button 2241 seventeen feet from thefirst connector 2234, a sixth button 2242 eighteen feet from the firstconnector, a seventh button 2243 nineteen feet from the first connector2242, and an eighth button 2244 twenty-one feet from the first connector2242. These distances are only given as an example, and other distancesand numbers of buttons 2222 are possible.

The first connector 2234 is a typical pendant pin type connection asknown in the art. The pendant pin connection is coupled to the rope 2232and has a first tab and a second tab with an aperture for receiving apin. A component, such as a boom insert or other crane component has atleast one tab extending from the component. The first and second tab ofthe pendant are placed over the tab and a pin is inserted through thetab apertures to secure the rope connector 2215 to the component.

The second connector 2236 is a simple safety hook in the embodiment ofFIG. 23, or in other embodiments the second connector 2236 is atraditional connector such as the first connector 2234. Because the loadis carried by the buttons 2222, there is no need for the secondconnector 2236 to be designed to carry the same load as the firstconnector 2234. Instead, the second connector 2236 serves mainly as anattachment for securing the loose end of the rope connector 2215.

In the embodiment of FIG. 23, the buttons 2222 on the rope connector2215 are a separate component secured to the rope connector 2215. Inother embodiments, the buttons are an integral part of the rope 2232.For example, in some embodiments, the rope 2232 is woven to have anenlarged portion of fibers at discrete intervals. While this may bedifficult with wire rope, newer synthetic fibers may be more easilywoven into nontraditional patterns. The embodiment of FIG. 23 uses aseparate component swaged to the rope 2232. In the swaging process, thebuttons 2222 are placed over the rope 2232 at a desired location andthen deformed to compress the button 2222. The swaging process securesthe button 2222 to rope 2232 with a strength comparable to the strengthof the rope 2232. Preferably, the buttons 2222 are then stamped orotherwise marked to indicate their location. In some embodiments, thebuttons 2222 are marked with a single reference character, or in otherembodiments, the buttons 2222 are marked with an actual representationof the length between the button 2222 and the first connection 2234.

Returning to FIGS. 21 through 23, in use the rope connector 2215 issecured to a first crane component using the first connector 2234 andthe socket 2100 is secured to a second crane component as previouslydescribed. The socket 2100 is detachably secured using a removable pin.In other embodiments, the socket 2100 is permanently secured to thesecond crane component. Depending on the required length of thetensioning member, a portion of the rope 2232 not having a button 2222is fed through the access slot 2230 and into the recess 2214. Forexample, if the required working length corresponded to the third button2239, the rope 2232 between second button 2238 and the third button 2239would be inserted through the access slot 2230. With the rope 2232placed in the recess 2214, the rope 2232 is pulled through the secondportion 2228 of the recess 2214 until the third button 2239 restsagainst the seat 2220. A retaining pin is then inserted into aperture2111 retaining the third button 2239 within the recess 2214. With thethird button 2239 retained in the recess 2214, the rope connector 2215is able to provide a tensioning load between the first connector 2234and the third button 2239.

FIG. 24 illustrates an embodiment of a socket 2212 coupled to a cranecomponent in a rotating configuration. The first tab 2106 and the secondtab (not visible) extend away from a portion of the crane component. Thefirst tab 2106 and the second tab have an aperture 2248 sized and shapedto receive pin 2110. The socket 2212 has a similar aperture sized andshaped to receive the pin 2210. With the socket 2212 located between thefirst tab 2106 and the second tab, the pin 2210 is inserted through thetab apertures 2248 and the socket aperture coupling the socket 2212 tothe second crane component through the tabs 2106. The socket 2112 isable to rotate about the axis of the pin 2110 from the position shown inFIG. 24, to the position shown in FIG. 26. It may be beneficially forthe socket 2212 to pivot such that a load traverse to the cranecomponent will not introduce a side load onto the socket 2212 or therope 2215.

A first additional aperture 2250 and a second additional aperture 2251,both sized and shaped to receive a second pin 2252 is disposed in thetabs 2106. A complementary aperture 2254 is disposed in the socket 2212.The complementary aperture 2254 selectively aligns with the additionalapertures 2250, 2251 depending on the position of the socket 2212. Forexample, with the socket 2212 in the position shown in FIG. 26, a pin2256 is inserted through the second additional aperture 2251, securingthe socket 2212 in a horizontal position. This position may be usefulfor storage or transport. In FIG. 25, the pin 2256 is inserted in thefirst additional aperture 2250, securing the socket 2212 in an angledposition. Such a position may be useful for assembly of the crane.

FIG. 27 illustrates another embodiment of an adjustable lengthtensioning assembly 2700. In this embodiment, the first crane member isa jib mast 2702 and the second crane member is a boom 2704. Theadjustable length tensioning assembly 2700 is comprised of thecomponents described previously, with the first connection point 2234 ofthe rope assembly 2215 coupled to the jib mast 2704 and the socket 2212coupled to the boom 2704, which together form a jib backstay. In someembodiments the components are reversed, with the socket 2212 coupled tothe jib mast 2704 and the socket 2212 coupled to the boom 2704. In otherembodiments the first crane member is a jib mast 2702 and the secondcrane member is a jib and the rope assembly 2215 connects the two.

Embodiments of the disclosed subject matter are further directed to amethod for erecting a crane using the described intermediate suspensionconnection column segment. In the method, at least three boom segmentsare assembled end to end with at least one of the boom segments havingan intermediate suspension connection between the ends of the boomsegment. The at least three boom segments are then coupled end to end toform a suspension column. A first end of the assembled suspension columnis then coupled to a hinge pivot point, such as a pivot point on arotating bed or a pivot point on an end of a boom. A plurality of strapsare then coupled end to end to form a suspension to connection a secondend of the assemble suspension column to a mast. A suspension element isthen coupled between the intermediate suspension connection and thesuspension. The suspension is then tensioned to lift the second end ofthe boom. The mast may be a live mast in which tensioning the straps isdone by rotating the mast proximate the carbody, or it may be a fixedmast in which instance tensioning the suspension is done by shortening adistance between the mast and the suspension.

Embodiments of the disclosed subject matter are further directed to amethod for connecting a tensioning assembly between two cranecomponents, such as boom 2704 and jib mast backstay 2702 of FIG. 27. Inthe method, a first end of a rope connector 2215 is coupled to a firstcrane component, such as boom 2704. In the embodiment of FIG. 27, therope connector 2215 is coupled to the boom 2704 by a pinned connection,but other connection types as known in the art such as bolted connectionare possible. A socket 2212 is coupled to a second crane component, suchas jib mast backstay 2702. The socket 2212 is coupled to the jib mastback stay 2702 through a pinned connection in the embodiment of FIG. 27,but other connection types as known in the art are possible.

A portion of the rope connector 2215 is passed through the slot 1625into the recess 1623. The portion of the rope connector 2215 passedthough the slot is dependent on the desired length of the tensioningassembly. An enlarged connection point on the rope connector 2215, suchas a button, corresponds to the desired length, and the portion of rope2232 adjacent the enlarged portion on the side of the first component ispassed through the slot 1625. The rope connector 2215 is passed throughthe socket 2212 until the enlarged portion engages a seat in the socket.The enlarged portion is then secured within the recess. The first cranecomponent is then moved relative to the second crane component,tensioning the rope assembly.

In some embodiments, the method further includes securing a free end ofthe rope connector to the second crane component. The connection at thesecond end of the rope is typically used to protect the rope connectorand need not be designed to carry a load.

In some embodiments, the rope connector 2215 is passed through thesocket with the socket at an angle relative to the horizontal. Forexample, in FIG. 25, the socket 2212 is positioned to receive the ropeconnector 2215.

It should be understood that various changes and modifications to thepresently preferred embodiments described herein will be apparent tothose skilled in the art. For example, instead of two separate postinserts being used a single post insert spanning the two posts may beused. Or the flexible pendant could be replaced with a single rigidpendant that did not expand. Additionally the suspension connectioncould be mounted on a location other than the lower cross member so longas it is disposed between the two ends of the boom insert. The pendantand socket can also be used in locations other than a boom intermediatesuspension such as, but not limited to, boom suspension, jib suspensionand jib backstay suspension.

The invention claimed is:
 1. An adjustable length tensioning assemblycomprising: a rope connector comprising: a rope having a first end, asecond end, and a first diameter; a first rope connector disposed at thefirst end of the rope, the first rope connector configured to connect toa first crane component; a second rope connector disposed at the secondend of the rope, wherein the second rope connector comprises a safetyhook having a load capacity less than a load capacity of the first ropeconnector; and a plurality of connection points disposed between thefirst rope connector and the second rope connector, the plurality ofconnection points having a second diameter greater than the firstdiameter; and a socket comprising: a first end having a socket connectorconfigured to connect to a second crane component; a second end having arecess housing a portion of the rope connector, the recess having afirst portion having a third diameter greater than the second diameterand a second portion having a fourth diameter greater than the firstdiameter and less than the second diameter, the transition from thefirst portion to the second portion forming a seat; and an access slotextending laterally from a lateral side of the socket to the recess andaxially the length of the recess, the access slot having a width greaterthan the first diameter and less than the second diameter.
 2. Theadjustable length tensioning assembly of claim 1, wherein the first ropeconnector comprises two parallel tabs secured to the first end of therope, the parallel tabs having an aperture there through sized andshaped to receive a pin for connection to a crane component.
 3. Theadjustable length tensioning assembly of claim 1, wherein the each ofthe plurality of connection points comprises a fitting secured to therope.
 4. The adjustable length tensioning assembly of claim 3, whereinthe fitting comprising a sleeve swaged over the rope.
 5. The adjustablelength tensioning assembly of claim 1, wherein the socket furthercomprises an aperture disposed traverse to the recess, the aperturesized and shaped to receive a retaining pin for retaining a connectionpoint of the rope connector in the recess.
 6. The adjustable lengthtensioning assembly of claim 1, wherein the socket connector comprisestwo legs having a socket connector aperture sized and shaped to receivea pin for a rotatable connection to a crane component.
 7. The adjustablelength tensioning assembly of claim 6, wherein the socket furthercomprises a retaining aperture parallel to the socket connectoraperture, the retaining aperture sized and shaped to receive a retainingpin configured to inhibit rotation of the socket.
 8. An adjustablelength tensioning assembly comprising: a rope connector comprising: arope having a first end, a second end, and a first diameter; a firstrope connector disposed at the first end of the rope, the first ropeconnector configured to connect to a first crane component; a secondrope connector disposed at the second end of the rope; and a pluralityof connection points disposed between the first rope connector and thesecond rope connector, the plurality of connection points having asecond diameter greater than the first diameter; and a socketcomprising: a first end having a socket connector configured to connectto a second crane component; a second end having a recess housing aportion of the rope connector, the recess having a first portion havinga third diameter greater than the second diameter and a second portionhaving a fourth diameter greater than the first diameter and less thanthe second diameter, the transition from the first portion to the secondportion forming a seat; an access slot extending laterally from alateral side of the socket to the recess and axially the length of therecess, the access slot having a width greater than the first diameterand less than the second diameter; and an aperture disposed traverse tothe recess, the aperture sized and shaped to receive a retaining pin forretaining a connection point of the rope connector in the recess.
 9. Anadjustable length tensioning assembly comprising: a rope connectorcomprising: a rope having a first end, a second end, and a firstdiameter; a first rope connector disposed at the first end of the rope,the first rope connector configured to connect to a first cranecomponent; a second rope connector disposed at the second end of therope; and a plurality of connection points disposed between the firstrope connector and the second rope connector, the plurality ofconnection points having a second diameter greater than the firstdiameter; and a socket comprising: a first end having a socket connectorconfigured to connect to a second crane component, wherein the socketconnector comprises two legs having a socket connector aperture sizedand shaped to receive a pin for a rotatable connection to a cranecomponent; a second end having a recess housing a portion of the ropeconnector, the recess having a first portion having a third diametergreater than the second diameter and a second portion having a fourthdiameter greater than the first diameter and less than the seconddiameter, the transition from the first portion to the second portionforming a seat; an access slot extending laterally from a lateral sideof the socket to the recess and axially the length of the recess, theaccess slot having a width greater than the first diameter and less thanthe second diameter; and a retaining aperture parallel to the socketconnector aperture, the retaining aperture sized and shaped to receive aretaining pin configured to inhibit rotation of the socket.